The Library of Birmingham will be a world class new cultural destination that will rewrite the book on public libraries in the 21st century. Designed by international architects Mecanoo, the new library will be a striking architectural landmark, physically integrated with Birmingham repertory theatre. The library and the theatre are working in partnership to deliver this innovative, transformational project that will raise the city’s profile globally. The Library of Birmingham will offer an exceptional customer experience, not only for the 3.5 million expected visitors to the new building each year, but also online through the application of the most advanced information and communication technologies. Key objectives include opening up access to the library’s outstanding archive and heritage collections, many of which are of international importance, and introducing a new approach to service delivery which will increase the power of the library to change lives. The new library is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Since 2008, the communications campaign for the Library of Birmingham has successfully gathered pace, generating interest, enthusiasm and excitement for the project across media and stakeholder groups at local, national and international level. Birmingham City Council is looking to appoint a public relations specialist to deliver the next stages of the communications campaign through to the immediate post-opening period.

This contract will commence during January 2011 and run for a period of up to 3 years with an option to extend for a further 12 months.

If you are interested in being considered for a tendering opportunity, please write to:

or e-mail to procurement_info@birmingham.gov.uk by 17.00 (GMT) on 23rd September 2010, quoting reference p102 and stating whether you wish to receive a ‘hard’ or ‘electronic copy tender pack’. Completed submissions must be returned, in accordance to the tendering instructions, no later than 12.00 (GMR) 30th September 2010 in accordance to the instructions specified in the tender documents.